THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Turn Costa Mesa into a playful urban playground with a two-hour app-driven scavenger hunt. Solve riddles, snap photos to score points, and explore murals, plazas and pocket parks while competing on a national leaderboard.
Turn Costa Mesa into a playful urban playground with a two-hour app-driven scavenger hunt. Solve riddles, snap photos to score points, and explore murals, plazas and pocket parks while competing on a national leaderboard.
The game begins with a ping on your phone and the city unfurling like a map that dares you to read it differently. You follow riddles through sunlit shopping courtyards, under painted murals, past mid-century storefronts and across pocket parks, each photo a small victory and each clue nudging you farther into Costa Mesa’s neighborhoods.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wacky Walks Walk About Scavenger Hunts · Costa Mesa, California
The game begins with a ping on your phone and the city unfurling like a map that dares you to read it differently. You follow riddles through sunlit shopping courtyards, under painted murals, past mid-century storefronts and across pocket parks, each photo a small victory and each clue nudging you farther into Costa Mesa’s neighborhoods.
Costa Mesa sits on a coastal plain shaped by the Santa Ana River and the estuary of Upper Newport Bay. Spanish-speaking settlers later gave it the name Costa Mesa — “coastal table” — and the area evolved from ranchland to a postwar suburban hub with a surprising arts scene. Today the city is known for the OC Fairgrounds, South Coast Plaza’s retail draw and local creative enclaves like The LAB and The CAMP.
On a Wacky Walks scavenger hunt you’ll use a phone app to solve riddles, photograph items to score points, and chat with a remote host for hints. Terrain is flat and fully urban: paved streets, sidewalks, plazas and some low-traffic alleys. Expect 1–3 miles of walking over two hours, lots of stop-and-start pace, and the chance to notice small details—architectural flourishes, public art, and pocket wetlands at Fairview Park.
Practical edge: bring a fully charged phone and a portable charger, wear comfortable shoes for walking on pavement, and carry water—temperatures can climb in summer. Plan to start in daylight for best photo scoring and to make use of public transit or ride-hail; parking can be busiest near events. This is an accessible, low-impact way to explore Costa Mesa on your terms while competing for a leaderboard score.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires steady mobility for short city walks and standing while solving clues.
Yes — the scavenger hunt uses a smartphone app to deliver clues and submit photos; you'll receive start instructions before your game explaining any downloads.
Yes — the route is stroller-accessible and designed for all fitness levels, though younger children may need supervision for traffic and photo tasks.
A remote live host is available via chat during the game to offer hints, confirm photo submissions, and help you move forward.
Most games are scheduled with a start window; daylight starts are recommended for best photo results—check your booking confirmation for specific timing details.
Costa Mesa developed from former ranch and agricultural land into a post‑WWII suburban and cultural center; its name is Spanish for 'coastal table' and it hosts the OC Fairgrounds and an active arts community.
Respect pocket wetlands and public parks—stay on paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out any trash to protect local habitats.
Wacky Walks Walk About Scavenger Hunts operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The game begins with a ping on your phone and the city unfurling like a map that dares you to read it differently. You follow riddles through sunlit shopping courtyards, under painted murals, past mid-century storefronts and across pocket parks, each photo a small victory and each clue nudging you farther into Costa Mesa’s neighborhoods.
The game begins with a ping on your phone and the city unfurling like a map that dares you to read it differently. You follow riddles through sunlit shopping courtyards, under painted murals, past mid-century storefronts and across pocket parks, each photo a small victory and each clue nudging you farther into Costa Mesa’s neighborhoods.
Costa Mesa sits on a coastal plain shaped by the Santa Ana River and the estuary of Upper Newport Bay. Spanish-speaking settlers later gave it the name Costa Mesa — “coastal table” — and the area evolved from ranchland to a postwar suburban hub with a surprising arts scene. Today the city is known for the OC Fairgrounds, South Coast Plaza’s retail draw and local creative enclaves like The LAB and The CAMP.
On a Wacky Walks scavenger hunt you’ll use a phone app to solve riddles, photograph items to score points, and chat with a remote host for hints. Terrain is flat and fully urban: paved streets, sidewalks, plazas and some low-traffic alleys. Expect 1–3 miles of walking over two hours, lots of stop-and-start pace, and the chance to notice small details—architectural flourishes, public art, and pocket wetlands at Fairview Park.
Practical edge: bring a fully charged phone and a portable charger, wear comfortable shoes for walking on pavement, and carry water—temperatures can climb in summer. Plan to start in daylight for best photo scoring and to make use of public transit or ride-hail; parking can be busiest near events. This is an accessible, low-impact way to explore Costa Mesa on your terms while competing for a leaderboard score.